to have no fixed political opinions.[1] Under the circumstances, Lerdo could no longer be a member of the ministry, and he accordingly resigned in January, 1871, returning to his office of president of the supreme court.[2]
The election came off at last; but none of the candidates having obtained the requisite majority,[3] the sixth congress, on the 12th of October, 1871, chose and formally declared Juarez to be the constitutional president for the next term.[4] He was inducted into office on the 1st of December with the usual ceremonials. In his address to congress he bewailed that the spirit of militarism had come again to disturb the public peace; expressing the hope that the representatives of the people and all good citizens would frown it down.[5] But long before congress had made this declaration, the supporters of Lerdo and Diaz were aware that their efforts were of no avail. The friends of the latter accused the government of having tampered with the polls, effecting its purpose through the official element.[6]
- ↑ The conservatives divided their suffrages between Juarez and Lerdo. Baz, Vida de Juarez, 304. La Paz, Jan.-June 1871, supported Juarez; whereas El Correo del Com., El Federalista, and El Imparcial advocated Lerdo's election.
- ↑ The cabinet after this was formed of personal supporters of Juarez, José M. Castillo Velasco becoming the minister of government. El Jonitor Rep., Jan. 11, 18, 1871.
- ↑ Juarez had 5,837 electoral votes; Lerdo, 2,874; Diaz, 3,555. Baz, Vida de Juarez, 306.
- ↑ Dec. 1, 1971, to Nov. 30, 1975, He was so declared under the electoral law of 1857, and the amendments of Apr. 22 and May 8, 1971. Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., xi. 581; Diario, Debates, 6° Cong., i. 187, 218, 230, 271-3); Méx., Diario Ofic., June 27, 29, July 4, 8, ll, Oct. 7, 13, 14, 17, 18, 1871; El Monitor, Oct. 14, Nov. 1, Dec. 2, 1871; Boletin Ofic. Est. Sin., Oct. 31, 1871; El Provenir Nic., Oct. 1871.
- ↑ The president of the chamber promised the coöperation of his colleagues. Diario Debates, 6° Cong., i. 627-9.
- ↑ Marquez de Leon says that false credentials were obtained by some deputies; that a shameless disrespect for law prevailed at the elections; 'there were towns of only 2.000 inhabitants where 2,303 votes appeared as cast; the government's partisans claiming a majority where Juarez had not had a single vote.' Mem. Póst., MS., 317-8. Diaz himself says: 'It was clearly seen that by official instructions rather than by the wish of the people votes in favor of Juarez had been polled in quantities;' and it has been asserted — recent party animosities have not permitted to clear up this matter — that in counting the votes 'hubo suplantacion.' Datos Biog., MS., 357-8.
